That’s just some of the fun on offer at this
Saturday’s open day at the Manukau Institute of
Technology’s new Manukau Campus. The purpose-built
six-storey building sits directly above the new Manukau
train station and offers hands-on learning in a ‘smart’
environment equipped with the latest
technology.

“We’re proud to welcome our community to
this world-class learning centre, right in the heart of
Manukau City”, says Peter Quigg, Director of Operations
for MIT. “Our students can’t wait to share their hard
work and incredible innovations with the public.”

Each
of MIT’s seven faculties will host an interactive zone,
where visitors can try their hand at everything from
computer games to knot tying and generating their own
electricity storm. Visitors can watch a ‘smart’ robot in
action, view a drag race car, and explore a model home built
by high school students taking a class at MIT.

The
Creative Arts Faculty will host jewellery-making
demonstrations, as well as live readings from writers Anne
Kennedy, Robert Sullivan and Catton. In the 250 seat Digital
Theatre, performing arts students will dazzle the crowds
with singing, dancing and slam poetry sessions.

Visitors
can also take a guided tour of the impressive building, the
result of a unique collaboration between MIT, Auckland
Council, Auckland Transport, architects and artists. The
stepped Maori poutama pattern incorporated into the
architecture symbolises the attainment of higher levels of
achievement and knowledge, while specially commissioned
artworks tell the stories of the Manukau people and
community.

“Our goal is for education to be accessible
to all, so we think it’s fitting that our new campus is
part of the Manukau interchange,” says Quigg. “We want
everyone to feel welcome to hop off the train and look
around the building, or come to a cultural event or
show.”

MIT students will be on hand to demonstrate their
work and answer questions about student life. Prospective
students will also have the chance to chat with staff about
enrolment and course options, or simply relax and enjoy the
live music and food stalls.

Auckland Transport is
offering free train travel from Britomart for
the open day, delivering visitors straight to the
Manukau train station underneath the campus.

The Manukau
campus will officially open for students on the first day of
semester two, Monday 21 July 2014, and will house the
Faculty of Business & IT, and the School of
Logistics.

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